Jean Alesi banks on Ferrari again in China

Former Scuderia driver Jean Alesi is banking on Ferrari to keep its momentum going as the F1 heads to China next week.

The Frenchman, who raced for five seasons with the House of Maranello, but bagged just a single win in 1995, believes the team's lean days could be over.

"The step into the new regulations was very unclear," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There were a thousand doubts about what Mercedes or Red Bull would do.

"But after Australia, I now expect Ferrari to confirm that performance in China. The ease with which Vettel followed Hamilton in the race was astonishing, while Hamilton had no chance to follow Vettel.

"When a car is good from the beginning, the development is also easier," Alesi added.

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For some, the jury is still out however on whether Ferrari can keep its performance going.

Flavio Briatore was unimpressed with the team's pre-season good health but has revised his judgment after last Sunday's win, although he continues to err on the cautious side.

"We will get a clearer picture in China," said the flamboyant Italian.

"The Ferrari victory was great, but Melbourne is a special circuit and I still expect big things from Red Bull and Mercedes. In an ideal case, we will have a three-way fight for the championship."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.